VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 124 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
124
Avg Mileage
205,197 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 65% of VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVANs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 124 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 205,197 miles.
How does the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN has 205,197 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN?
The most reliable year is the 1999 model with a 73% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 sits between the two at 65%.
How much does a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN by Year
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN
The 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN is a large car with a 2459cc diesel engine. 124 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 93% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 205,197 miles at 26 years old, VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN owners drive about as much as the UK average.
1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN Fuel Costs
The 2459cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVANs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN
At 26 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 73%.
Alternatives to the 1998 VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (+5%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+11%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+10%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+7%) from 3,080 tests